: pleasantly entertained or diverted (as by something funny)
She seemed slightly amused by his explanation.
: feeling or showing amusement
an amused smile
a crowd of amused spectators
I had often heard him speaking to her in an amused, confiding voice …Paula Fox
amusedly adjective
… she looked up into our curious faces and smiled amusedly and sweetly, as only a woman can smile … Jack London

Examples of amused in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The hilarious video, which was also posted on Instagram, garnered amused reactions from social media users in the comments section. Escher Walcott, Peoplemag, 16 Mar. 2024 Al Pacino seemingly announced the 2024 Oscars' highest competitive category exactly how Al Pacino wanted to, thank you very much — a development that amused ceremony host Jimmy Kimmel. Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 11 Mar. 2024 Many of those stereotypes eventually evolved into something more self-aware, ironic and amused. Mark Harris Keita Morimoto, New York Times, 27 Feb. 2024 My parents, too amused to be annoyed, gave me a little bit of money and told me to walk to the barbershop down the street. Hanif Abdurraqib, The New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2024 During a recent interview in New York, the actress looked amused when asked about being a national symbol. Elisabeth Vincentelli, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2024 Mollie just stares at him in response, one of those amused glances that convey both attention and awareness. Hazlitt, 7 Feb. 2024 Here's How to Finally Enjoy the Party Yourself Game Nights Contests or game nights keep everyone entertained and amused and act as ice breakers when guests are meeting for the first time. Colleen Sullivan, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Dec. 2023 Having gathered the party together, more or less to her own liking, the hostess is now faced with the task of keeping this miscellaneous connection of different ages and tastes occupied and, if possible, amused. Nancy Mitford, Vogue, 24 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'amused.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1728, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of amused was in 1728

Dictionary Entries Near amused

Cite this Entry

“Amused.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amused. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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